Using Case Study Betsy to Understand Down's Syndrome & Dementia

Using Case Study Betsy to Understand Down's Syndrome & Dementia

This case study is about an aging woman experiencing Down’s Syndrome (DS) and dementia. People with Down’s Syndrome are living longer than ever before. Since the 1980s their life expectancy has doubled and many now live into their 60s, most likely because of advances in medical treatment and improved living conditions.

Patients with DS and dementia typically experience several residential relocations during their lifetime and these may be traumatic events for these individuals. This study explores the complex needs of aging clients with intellectual disabilities. Target students for this teaching strategy have completed medical-surgical or geriatric nursing.

Learning ObjectivesStudents will:

Perform physical, functional, and social assessment on the older adult with Down’s Syndrome and dementia and recognize pertinent assessment findings